Game of Thrones Reviews: "The Laws of Gods and Men"

Will the Gods find Tyrion innocent or guilty? Stay tuned...

PLOT SUMMARY

After learning about the mutilation of her brother, Yara attempts marches against the Dreadfort with the hopes of bringing Theon home. Meanwhile, across the Narrow Sea, Davos and Stannis attempt to arrange a deal with the Iron Bank of Braavos while Daenerys learns that her brand of justice isn't as black and white as she thought. Finally, back in King's Landing, Tyrion is tried for the murder of King Joffrey with a surprise twist that will leave him devastated.

WHAT DID I THINK?

"The Laws of Gods and Men" is easily one of the best episodes this season, proudly standing beside the earlier "The Lion and the Rose." Like it's predecessor, the episode's first half bounces around Westeros and Essos, giving us quick updates about what is currently happening with some of the other plot lines. However, the second half of the episode is structured perfectly, allowing the tension and emotional beats to slowly build throughout the scenes until they reach that powerful ending. 

Peter Dinklage continues to be one of the best actors one the show. Although his speech during the climax was excellent, Dinklage captured the hopelessness that Tyrion must be feeling through his posture and tone of voice. You feel that he has given up and knows he's doomed, which makes his anger at the end and the choice he made all the more satisfying. Although everyone during the trial is terrific, Dinklage is easily the standout performance. 

My only concern is that "The Laws of Gods and Men" feels more like an episode that you would see closer to the end of the season, which makes me wonder what the final four episodes will contain. Hopefully at least one of the next episodes will be just as good as this one. 

FINAL VERDICT

"The Laws of Gods and Men" is just as good as the previous "The Lion and the Rose", presenting a fantastic second half that has you wanting to see more. The performances are great, the writing is solid, and the ending was perfect.